PROCESSES

Which of the following processes should become standard strategies and tactics for healthcare supply chain management in the future? Respondents were asked to check all that apply and to rank their top 3 and explain their reasoning.

Establish, maintain clinical integration with operations/physician relationships through value analysis and management
Adopt and implement supply data standards on all product packaging from bulk down to the each
Control/eliminate non-contract/off-contract/shadow purchasing
- Enable more visibility into distributor stock-on-hand and, if possible, visibility into production and raw materials access
Set up a category assessment list for product requests based on general and specialty product attributes compared to contract and formulary access
Maintain remote management aligned with telehealth capabilities (e.g., linking clinical and operational services for “hospital-at-home” and remote care options)
Work with primary suppliers and vendors to manage local/nearby centralized service centers to maintain “safety”/segmented stock
Sustainable projects/programs, eco-friendly sourcing, contracting, purchasing, recycling and disposal
Set up a customized color-coded “priority” list for products based on clinician demand/usage cross-referenced by access/availability
Other: Establish communication for device recalls
- Create formularies for critical products and substitute products
Rely more on local suppliers and vendors
Internally designed/packaged products (e.g., custom kits, packs and trays; surgical supply bundles)
- Create a mobile delivery system by outfitting and stocking a van with supplies or set up local supply marts for community access

Source: Leaders & Luminaries survey of Future Famers, July 2024